How To Plan A Living Funeral

A living funeral is a unique opportunity to celebrate life, express gratitude, and connect with loved ones while you are still present. Unlike traditional funerals, living funerals allow you to hear the stories, tributes, and memories that matter most. If you are considering this meaningful event, this guide will show you exactly how to plan a living funeral from start to finish.

Watch the Full Video Guide

watch the full video on YouTube

Quick Tips (Short Videos)

What Is a Living Funeral?

A living funeral is a ceremony held for someone who is still alive, often when they are facing a life-limiting illness or simply wish to celebrate their life with friends and family. This event provides a chance for meaningful conversations, sharing memories, and expressing appreciation. Unlike a memorial service, the guest of honor is present and able to participate fully.

Key Steps: How To Plan A Living Funeral

1. Decide on the Purpose and Tone: Will your living funeral be lighthearted, spiritual, reflective, or a mix? Clarify your intentions to guide the planning process.
2. Choose a Venue: Options include your home, a community center, a favorite park, or a place of worship. Consider accessibility and atmosphere.
3. Set a Date and Invite Guests: Pick a date that works for close friends and family. Send invitations early, and decide if the event will be private or open to a wider circle.
4. Plan the Program: Arrange for speeches, music, readings, or rituals. You may want to include a memory-sharing session, a video montage, or a group activity.
5. Personalize the Details: Decorate with photos, favorite flowers, or meaningful objects. Consider serving favorite foods and drinks.
6. Document the Event: Ask someone to record video or take photos so you can revisit the memories later.

Sample Living Funeral Planning Table

Task	Details	Who Is Responsible
Select Venue	Book community center	Family member
Send Invitations	Email and phone calls	You
Arrange Catering	Favorite foods and desserts	Friend or caterer

Tips for a Meaningful Living Funeral

• Encourage guests to share stories, letters, or mementos.
• Include music or readings that are personally significant.
• Allow time for laughter and tears - both are welcome at a living funeral.
• Consider live streaming for distant friends and family.
• Keep the event flexible so it feels natural and comfortable.

For a more detailed guide, read the full Shopify article or view the Google Doc version.

Additional Resources

• watch short video 1
• watch short video 2
• Explore more living funeral content on our YouTube Channel
• Learn more about our brand at The Funeral Program Site

Podcast Information

Listen to our latest episode on planning a living funeral: Click here for the podcast episode

Conclusion

Planning a living funeral is a beautiful way to honor your life and relationships while you are still here. By following these steps, you can create an event that is heartfelt, memorable, and uniquely yours. Whether you choose a small gathering or a larger celebration, the most important thing is to make it meaningful for you and your loved ones. For more inspiration and practical advice, be sure to check out the resources and videos linked above.